Liquid pistol



Patented Mar. 21, i922.

2 II|||I l,

D. J. MONOSMITH. LIQUID PISTOL.

APPLICATION FILE-D SEPT. 20,1920.

"Y GJWIMMMW Arrqaw ya' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DAVID J. MONOSMITH, OF SPENCER, OHIO.

LIQUID PISTOL Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 21, 1922.

.Application led September 20, 1920. Serial No. 411,531.

My invention relates toliquid pistols, andl particularly to mechanism of this character designed to eject small quantities of liquid with considerable velocity without the use of compressed gas. Further, my impro-ved device is designed so that the pressure on the ejected liquid is instantly applied and instantly relieved, thus causing the ejected liquid to leave the nozzle at' a nearly uniform velocity and without any appreciable drizzle from the nozzle. The type of pistol, exemplifying my invention in the accompanying drawingis a repeating pistol, butl I do not limit the application of all of the improvements, which I have made, to this type. Also, the design is one in which the desired objects are accomplished with the use of only one valve, viz., one on the discharge side of the charge chamber, the complication of a second valve for refilling being' eliminated b means of the use of a loose plunger hereinafter 'fully described.

The annexed drawing and the following decription set forth in detail certain means embodying my invention, the disclosed ymeans, however, constituting but one of the various mechanical forms in which ,the principle of the invention may be applied.

In said annexed drawing.:

Figure 1 represents a side elevation, partially in vertical section, of one form of my new and improved liquid pistol;

Figure 2 represents a transverse verticali section, taken in the plane indicated by thev line II-II, Figure 1;

Figure 3 is 'a-view, similar to Figure 2, showing the parts of a latch, forming releasing mechanism for secondary actuating means, in its releasing position;

Figure 4 represents a central, vertical section, partially in side elevation, of another form of my new and improved pistol;

Figure 5 represents an end elevation,

taken from the plane indicated by the line V-V, Figure 4; and

Figure 6 represents a fragmenta end elevation of releasing mechanism an itSSO- ciated elements, of the type of pistol shown in Figure 4, in their releasing position.

Referring to the annexed drawing, and particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3, aliquid magazine is indicated by the ordinal 1, having a removable cover plate 2 provided with a filler opening 3, and adapted to hold the liquid 4, of which two to four drops are designed to be repeatedly ejected by the operationof the pistol. The magazine 1 serves as a stock or grip for the pistol. The pistol barrel is designated by the .ordinal 5 having the bore 6 and a nozzle 7 formed with aY discharge orice 8 of small diameter. The liquid 4 in the magazine 1 is received by and discharged from a charge member con-4 sage 5 allowing for the movement of the liquid 4 from the charge chamber 11 of the pump cylinder 9 to the chamber 12 of the valve cylinder 9. The connection between the barrel 5 and the `valve cylinder 9 is effected by the reducing bushing 13. The partition or abutment 10 is formed upon one face with the valve seat 14, adapted to receive the ball valve 15, which is controlled by the .spring 16 abutting at one end the inner face of the reducing bushing 13. 17 designates a pump plunger adapted to reciprocate within the pump cylinder 9', a small clearance space indicated by the ordinal 18 being provided between the plunger 17 and the inner wall of the cylinder 9. Assuming that the pump mechanism uses a pump of about :l inch diameter, this clearance 18 f would beabout .003 inch, thus allowing the ico The open y end of the pump cylinder 9 is submerged in the liquid 4. The,several parts of the pump mechanism and the charge chamber 11 are exaggerated in size in the accompanying drawing, for the purpose of better illustrating the same. I hereinafter term this pump mechanism for ejecting the Successive j charges of liquid a secondary actuating mechanism.

A trigger 19 having. a finger 23 is fulcrumed upon the pistol body 26 by means of a pin 20, said trigger 19 being formed of fiat, springy metal, and having a front trigger arm 21 and a rear trigger arm 22. The trigger arm 21 has an angularly extending latch 24 adapted to intersect a slot 25 formed in the body 26 of the pistol, the latch 24, in the form of device illustrated, being formed upon a vertically extending end portion of the trigger arm 21. As plainly indicated in Figure 2, the disposition and arrangement of the several parts is such that, in the cocked position of the pistol, the latch 24 intersects the slot 25 and the springy metal of the trigger 19 must be subjected to considerable tension before the latch 24 disengages the slot 25. I hereinafter term the trigger 19 a primary actuating mechanism, but other means adapted to set the charge ejecting means in motion or to induce the discharge of the successive charges, such as a latch, a reciprocating finger piece, an operating button, etc., would serve equally as well as the trigger 19. Connection between the trigger 19 and the plunger 17 is afforded by a connecting rod 27 having flexible connection at one end with the rear of the trigger arm 22, and at the other end with the bottom of the plunger 17. These flexible joints are afforded by means of a loop 28 formed at the outer end of an angular bottom portion 28 of the connecting rod 27 and loosel secured to an elon ated neck portion 17 o the plunger 17, anc a hook 29 loosely looped over the rear of the trigger arm 22. A spring 3() encircles the connecting rod 27, and abuts the lower face of the cover 2 and the laterally extending looped portion 28 of the connecting rod 27. The tension of this spring is such as to hold the plunger 17in its lowermost position.

Assuming the several elements of my new and improved pistol to be such as above described, and assuming that the cylindrical charge chamber 11 and the bore 6 are filled with the liquid 4, and that a substantial amount of liquid is also contained within the reservoir 1, a pull rearwardly by the operators finger upon the trigger finger-piece 23 will result in the tendency of the latch 24 to be released from the slot 25. This tendency will become effective, after considerable pressure has been exerted upon the finger-piece 23,"a pressure of, for instance, several pounds. The latch 24 then releases, resulting in a movement of the finger-piece 23 of substantially inch and also resulting in the instant application of the elastic tension of the ,finger muscles on the connecting rod 27, which effects anVV immediate, uniform upward movement of the plunger 17 until the latter is instantly stopped by striking the lower face of the abutment 10, the ball valve 15 having meanwhile been raised and several drops of the liquid 4 discharged from the orifice 8. The force of the pressure of the plunger 17 upon the liquid in the chamber 11 is represented by the elastic tension of the finger muscles, this elasticity being considerable, and more than sufficient to properly operate the pump mechanism. These combined features (the sudden latch release and the application of the elastic tension of finger muscles) result in the instant and uniform application of the pressure to the charge, so that there is no appreciable drizzle from the orifice 8; while, the instant stopping of the plunger 17, by reason of the latter striking the abutment'lf), prevents any drizzle resulting from the effects of intertia, this striking ofthe plunger 17 against the abutment 10, of course, effectively sealing the discharge passage from the charge chamber 11. Substantially all of the charge therefore, strikes the target at one point. The discharge orifice 8 is small, of a diameter from .018 to .020 inches, and forms an effective capillary seal against air entering the barrel 5 between shots and also prevents dribble after dischai'ge. Vhen the plunger 17 is seated against the/abutment 10 or the ball valve is seated, there is no dribble from the barrel 5 in any position. The liquid will not gurgle out of the capillary tube 8. The delaying of the application of the power, by means of a latch-release, allows time for careful aiming. This would not be possible, if it were necessary to give the trigger a. quick jerk; also. the power applied is such, for the small charge utilized, that the effective rangeis considerable, for instance, three to five feet. 'The release of the finger-piece 23 results in the retraction of the plunger 17, through the medium of the spring 30, additional liquid 4 seeping through the small clearance area 18 and filling the charge chamber 11 with another charge. By reason of the provision of a leaky plunger, through the use of the clearance 18, in the manner and of substantially the proportions indicated` I eliminate the added complication of another valve for re-filling the pump cylinder' and at the same time the small clearance area acts as a strainer and prevents any dirt entering the pump cylinder and clogging the nozzle. The action of the plunger 17 is so sudden during discharge that only a very small portion of the liquid is lost through the clearance area 18. I have spoken of the quantity of liquid ejected as being two to four drops, `but the same may vary within wider limits, depending upon the proportions of the various pump parts, etc. However, only a small amount of liquid is fired at each operation, so that it is important that no substantial amount be lost by drizzling or by a slow application of the secondary actuating mechanism to the charge.

My new and improved pistol is very advantageously used for firing insecticides, particularly for killing flies in cracks or crevices or at angles where a swatter is not effective. Furthermore, the whole charge strikes a small area and does not spatter surrounding surfaces.

In the form of device shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the power instantly applied to the liquid in the gun barrel is not that represented by the elastic tension of the operators fingers, but that of the accumulated energy of a compressed spring. This energy is instantly applied, as was true of the form of device shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, by the release of latch mechanism. The latch mechanism of the device shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 is different from that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, andjwill be hereinafter described in detail. Furthermore, in this form of device, the relative movement between the plunger and the .pump cylinder is effected by a reciprocatory movement of the cylinder over the plunger. Various other differences in structure and operation will hereinafter appear in detail.

The compressed spring, whose accumulated energy is instantly applied to the charge and represents the power exerted upon the liquid, is the spring 30 and it causes the relative movement in one direction between the plunger and the pump cylinder. In this form of device, the spring 30 is disposed between the upper head of t-he pump cylinder 9 and the cap of the reservoir 1, and the tension of this spring tends to keep plunger 17 and the pump cylinder 9 in their innermost relative positions i. e., that position in which the charge chamber 11 is empty of liquid 4. In this form of device, the plunger 17 is hollow and is formed to provide a valve cylinder chamber 12, containing the valve spring 16 adapted normally to hold the ball valve 15 against the valve seat 14. The trigger arm 22 at its rear end is adapted, as it is raised, to contact with a lug 32 secured to the top of the connecting rod 27. Secured to the top of the cover plate 2 is an upwardly extending lug 33 having a cam edge 34 adapted to be intersected by the end 31 of the trigger arm 22, as the latter is lifted, as plainly shown in Figures 4 and 5. Inasmuch as the lug 33 is immovable and the trigger is comprised of springy material, the effect of this construction, when pressure is put upon the triggerfinger 23, is to force the end 31 of thejarm 22 laterally, as plainly -shown in Figurel 6, where the element 31 is shown in a position so that the rod 27, under the action of the accumulated energy in the compressed spring 30, is enabled instantly to force the pump cylinder 9 down over the plunger 17, resulting in a forcing of the ball valve 15 from its seat 14 and the ejecting of liquid from the orifice 8. Secured to the pistol body 26 by means of a pin 38, and fulcrumed upon a pin 36, is a spring element 35 adapted to be subjected to tension during the rearward movement of the trigger finger 23, by means of a lug 37 formed upon the forward face of the trigger 19. The accumulated stress to which the spring 35 is Subjectedresults, upon the release of the trigger finger 23, in the return of the trigger to its normal positio-n.

By use of the terni instantly applied, hereinafter in the claims, I mean that the full strength of the stored or accumulated energy of tensioned finger muscles or of a compressed spring or analogous mechanism acts upon the charge, immediately upon the release of the forcing means from a controlling latch, which latch is set so as to be quickly tripped. The latch may be directly applied to the plunger or any part of the secondary actuating mechanism; hence, the term latch released or latch controlled, as applied to said mechanism.

Certain features of construction in my improved liquid pistol are of considerable advantage,'both to manufacture and user, in addition to the advantages hereinbefore pointed out.. One of these advantages resides in the fact that the pump proper, viz., the cylinder, plunger and valve, is entirely enclosed within the magazine 1. Further advantage resides in the fact that there is no friction packing gland used in connection with the pump or any other part of the pistol. The movement of the plunger is practically frictionless, and always liquidsealed. In ordinary pump construction, the re-charging clearance area 18, which also serves in our construction as a substitute for a suction or feed pipe, is closed by a friction packing gland, wl1icl1"i\'ea1s, adds friction. and gives more or less trouble. 7e have converted this space into a frictionless packing gland and suction conduit. The elimination of a friction packing gland or its equivalent, by simplifying the construction, lowers the cost of manufacture and, from a users standpoint, is of considerable advantage because it reduces the amount of energy required to operate the pistol and also eliminates the attendant wear and annoyance.

What I claim is:

.1. In liquid pistols, the combination of a/ chamber having a. discharge orifice; a rel- 31 immediately preceding its escape from /atively movabl plunger; and a trigger. the y movement of said plunger being effected by the cam surface 34. Concurrently, course, the lug 32 secured to the connecting rod 27, is being released from the element 31 trigger and loosely connected to said plun- 130 a ,connecting rod loosely connected to said ger. the movement of latch-controlled.

2. In liquid pistols, the combination of a relatively reciprocably-movable chamber having a discharge orifice and a plunger, and a trigger, the relative movement of said chamber and plunger in one direction being effected by a connecting rod loosely connected to said trigger and loosely connected to the reciprocating element; and means automatically moving the reciprocating element in the other direction, the effective movement of the reciprocating element being latch-controlled.

3. In liquid pistols, the combination of a chamber having a discharge orifice; a relatively movable plunger; and a trigger, the

said plunger being movement of said plunger being effected by I, zo

a connecting rod looseIy connected to said trigger and loosely connected to said plunger, the movement of said plunger being etch-controlled, said connectlng rod being direct-connected both to said triggerA and said plunger. 4

4.. n liquid pistols, the combination of a relatively reciprocably-mova-ble chamber having a discharge orifice and a plunger, and a trigger, the relative movement .of said chamber and plunger in one direction being effected by a connecting rod loosely connected lto said trigger and loosely connected to the reciprocating element; and means automatically moving the reciprocating element in the other directiomthe effective movement of the reciprocating elementl being latch-controlled, said connecting rod being direct-connected both to the trigger and to the reciprocating element.

5. In liquid pistols, the combination of a chamber having a discharge orifice; a relatively movable plunger; and a tri ger, the movement of sald plunger being e ected by a connecting rod loosely connected to said trigger and loosely connected to the plunger; and mea-ns automatically moving the plunger in the other direction, the effective movement of the plunger being latch-controlled.

6. In repeating liquid istols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; a charge chamber liquid-connected to said nozzle; a valve disposed intermediate said nozzle and said chamber; means affording continuous limited liquid lcommunication between said magazine and chamber; a plunger having a reciprocating movement relative to said chamber; and a trigger,'the relative effective movement of .said plunger and chamber bein latch-controlled.

7. In repeating iquid pistols, the combination of a magazine' a discharge nozzle; a charge-chamber liqui -connected to said nozzle; a valve disposed intermediate said nozzle and said chamber; means affording continuous limited liquid communication benozzle and said chamber; a plunger having a reciprocating movement relative to said chamber, liquid connection between the magazine .and the chamber being -provided by means of av narrow cylindrical passage around the plunger and intermediate the latter and the chamber; and actuating means for the plunger, the relative movement of said chamber and plunger being latch-controlled.

9. In a repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; la'discharge nozzle; a charge-chamber liquid-connected to said nozzle; a valve disposed intermediate said nozzle land said chamber; a plunger having .a reciprocating movement relative to said chamber, liquid connection between the magazine and the chamber being provided by lmeans of a narrow cylindrical passage around the plunger and intermediate the latter and the chamber; a trigger, the movement of said plunger in one direction being effected by a connecting rod loosely connected to said plunger and to said trigger, the effective movement of the plunger being latch controlled.

10. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; a

charge-chamber liquid-connected to said nozzle; a valve disposed intermediate -said nozzle and said chamber; means affording limited fiuid vcommunication between said magazine and chamber; means for applying pressure instantly to the charge, including primary actuating mechanism and a reciprocatory plunger actuated by said primary mechanism, the effective movement of said plunger being latch-controlled; and means automatically retracting said plunger.

11. In liquid pistols, the combination of an inelastic chamber having a discharge orifice; means for applying pressure instantly to the charge, including primary actuating mechanism and secondary actuating mechanism actuated by said primary mechanism, the functioning of sai secondary mechanism being latch-controlled; and means for discontinuing instantly the pressure upon the charge, including a fixed abutment limiting the effective movement of said secondary mechanism.

12. In liquid pistols, the combination of an inelastic chamber having a discharge ori- -a chamber having a discharge orifice; and

means for applying pressure instantly to the charge. including a spring plate, means for subjecting the latter to tension, said plate being latch-controlled. and movable auxil-v iary pressure mechanism, the effective move ment of said auxiliary mechanism being permitted by the tripping of the latch.

14. In liquid pistols. the combination of a chamber having a discharge orifice; and means for applying pressure instantly to the charge, including a spring plate, means for subjecting4 the latter to tension, said plate being latch-controlled, and relatively movable cylinder and plunger elements, the relative movement of said Cylinder and plunger being permitted by the tripping of the latch.

15. In liquid pistols. the combination of a chamber having a discharge orifice; means for applying pressure instantly to the charge. including a spring plate, means for subjecting the latter to tension, said plate being latch-controlled, and relatively movable cylinder and plunger elements'.` the relativemovement of said cylinder and plunger .being permitted by the tripping of the latch;

and means for discontinuing instantly the pressure upon the charge, including a fixed abutment limiting the relative movement of the cylinder and plunger.

16. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge. nozzle; a cylinder liquid-connected to said nozzle, and disposed intermediate said magazine and nozzle; a trigger; a loose-fitting plunger for said cylinder affording a pistonclearance serving as an'intake from said magazine, said plunger being actuated by said trigger: and a latch-control for the effective movement of said plunger.

17. In repeating liquid pistols` the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; a fixed cylinder liquid-connected t-o said magazine and nozzle and disposed intermediate the same and forming an inelastic charge-chamber; a trigger; a movable plunger for said cylinder. said plunger being actuated by said trigger; a latch control for the effective movement of said plunger; and means for discontinuing instantly the move lment ot the plunger, including an abutment formed in said cylinder.

18. In repeating liquid pistols. the combinatlon of a magazine; a dlscliarge nozzle;

a fixed cylinder liquid-connected to said mazagine and nozzle and disposed intermediate the same; a trigger; a movable plunger for said cylinder, said plunger being actuated by said trigger; a latch control for the effective movement of said plunger; and means automatically retracting said plunger upon the release of said trigger. I

19. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination ot a magazine, a discharge nozzle; a fixed cylinder liquid-connected to said magazine and nozzle and disposed intermediate the same; a trigger; a movable plunger for said cylinder. said plunger being actuated by said trigger; a latch control for the ettective movement of said plunger, means for discontinuing instantly the movement of the plunger, including an abutment formed in said cylinder; and means automatically retracting said plunger upon the release 'of said trigger.

20. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; means for applying pressure upon the charge; an auxiliary liquid chamber disposed intermediate the nozzle and the pressure means; a valve disposed intermediate 4said liquid chamber and the nozzle; means normally holding said valve closed; and a narrow annular cylindrical fluid conduit between said Lmagazine and the auxiliary chamber. u

.21. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; means for applying pressure to the charge; an auxiliary liquid chamber -disposed intermediate the nozzle and the pressure means; a valve disposed intermediate said liquid chamber and the nozzle; means normally holding said valve closed; and a narrow annular cylindrical fluid conduit between said magazine and the auxiliary chamber, as, for instance, a conduit of substantially .003 inch width when using a cylindrical chamber of substantially -linch diameter. whereby the conduit functions as a strainer and permits liquid to seep from said-magazine to said chamber. i

22. In liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; means for applying pressure to the charge, including a relatively movable cylinder and plunger; a valve disposed intermediate the cylinder and the nozzle; and means normally holding said valve closed, a small clearance being provided between the plunger and the wall of the cylinder and communicating with said magazine.

23. In liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; means for applying pressure to the charge, including a reciprocating plunger and a cylinder; a valve disposed intermediate the cylinder and the nozzle; and means normally holding said valve closed, a small clearance being provided between the plunger and the wall of the cylinder and communicating with said magazine.

24. In repeating liquid istols, the combination of a magazine; a ischarge nozzle; a charge-chamber liquid-connected to said nozzle; a" valve disposed intermediate said nozzle and said chamber; means affording` limited liquid communication'between said magazine andy chamber; meansy for ap lying pressure instantly tothe charge, inc uding primary actuating mechanism and secondary actuating mechanism` actuated by said primary mechanism, the functioning of said secondary mechanism being latch-controlled;

and means for sealing the discharge nozzle,

concurrently with the termination of the functioning of the Secondary mechanism.

25. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; means for applying pressure instantly to the charge, including a trigger, and cylinder and plunger elembnts 'relatively movable within fixed limits, said cylinder forming an inelastic charge-chamber the relative movement of said cylinder and plunger being latch-controlled; and means for sealing the discharge nozzle at the end of the operative stroke of the relatively movable cylinder and plunger. v

26. In repeating liquid istols, the combination of a magazine; a ischarge nozzle;

means for applying pressure instantly to ther charge, including a spring plate, means for subjecting the latter to tension, said plate being latch-controlled, and cylinder 'and lunger elements relatively movable Within gxed limits, the relative movement of said c linder and plunger being permitted by t e trip ing of the latch; and means for sealing t e discharge nozzle at the end of the operative stroke of the relatively movable cylinder and plunger.

27. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; a fixed cylinder liquid-connected to said magazine and nozzle and disposed intermediate the-same; a trigger; a movable plunger for said cylinder, said plunger ybeing actuated by said trigger; a latch control for the effective movement of said plunger; and

means for discontinuing instantly themovement of the plunger, including an abutment formed in said cylinder, the plun er and abutment also co-operating for sea ing the discharge nozzle.

28. In repeating liquid pistols, the com bination of a magazine; a discharge nozzle; a fixed cylinder liquid-connected to said magazine and nozzle and disposed intermediate the same; a trigger; a movable plunger for said c linder, said plunger being actuated by said trigger; a latch control for the effective movement of said plunger; means for discontinuin instantly the movement of 66 the plunger, inc uding an abutment formed in said cylinder; and means automatically retractingv said plunger upon the release of said trigger, the plunger and abutment also co-operating for sealing the nozzle.

` 29. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a charge-chamber contained Within said magazine; means affording limited fluid communication between said magazine and chamber; a nozzle liquidconnected to said chamber; a valve disposed intermediate said nozzle and said chamber; a reciprocahle plunger for said chamber; an

actuating member; a connecting rod for the plunger adapted to bemoved by the actuating member and loosely secured thereto; and a atch controlling the effective movement of the actuatin member.

30. In repeating liquid pistols, the combination of a magazine; a charge-chamber contained within said magazine; meansaf'- fording limited fluid communication between said magazine and chamber; a nozzle liquidconnected to said chamber; posed intermediate said nozzle and said chamber; a reciprocable plunger for said chamber; an actuating member; a connecting rod for the plunger adapted to be moved by the actuating member and loosely secured nicating with said magazine and the auxil- 110 lary chamber.

Signed by me this 13th day of September, 920.

DAVID J. MONOSMITII.

discharge 70 a valve dis- 90 liquid pistols, the combithe nozzle 

